This is a 'bandaid' solution to the ongoing problems with the standard CardXpress build. The major change is an upgrade to a faster computer, running Windows 98se. This alleviates all of the PC related problems that have been occuring with the machines.
The most major thing that needs to be done is to replace the aging, dying, PC with a new one that is reliable and repairable.
Upgrade
Replace old IBM PC with New PC
This is an 'Embedded' PC. A very small form factor motherboard, with everything already on board. Being that it's all in one piece, it's very simple to fix 'in the field' - just replace the entire motherboard and the machine is working again.
Via Embedded PC, 4 Serial ports, Internal Modem, 512M RAM, 80gb HDD
Windows XP Licence (using it as Windows 98se licence)
17" LCD Monitor
Update Software:
As part of the replacement PC, I put all the latest and most current software on the machine. This also includes configuration and documentation of the EPS software stored on the PC for ease of repairs of the EPS and SmartTeller in the future.
Copy all configuration and setup onto new machine
Ensure all software (USC, EPS, OnQ) is up to date
Install latest PcAnywhere Software, and VNC (if internet access available at site)
Establish Internet Connection for faster Remote Admin, if available at site
Upgrade Cost
- $3230ex (Hardware)
- estimated $500ex for non WPM4L contract clients (5 hours changeover time - possibly longer if back of cardX box isn't easily accessable), this is covered under standard Mobil Support for contracted clients.
- 1 Year hardware warranty
- 3 months CardXpress support
- Total $3730ex (Does not include travelling time or expenses)
Results
The procedure of rebuilding the FATM includes a complete re-wiring of everything inside the CardX cabinet. There are at least 4 cables in there that aren't used, and the standard cabinet has had 10 years of cable braiding that needs to be fixed. With the new PC, it sits in the 'head' of the cabinet, where the CRT monitor used to be, and the old PC drawer underneath the cabinet is now used for the new networking gear (VoIP, Remote Power Switch, etc). The LCD monitor sits in front of the PC, and the keyboard and mouse sit on top of the EPS/UPS. This allows much more airflow around the PC and helps keep it cooler. It also gives much more access to the machine to assist in resolving problems in the future.
Caveats
Floppy Drive
Note that there is NO FLOPPY DRIVE in the machine as all data transfer can now be done reliably through it's internet/network/dialup connection. If a floppy drive is required, a USB floppy will be required, as the motherboard does not have a floppy connector.
Modifications from original build
This is a Non-Standard OnQ build, and as such, OnQ can refuse to support the machine. As OnQ don't officially support the machines now this is usually not a problem.
New Features
Voice over IP
This requires broadband access (at least 512/128k) at the Fuel ATM site
Voice over IP Adaptor
This plugs into the Broadband connection and into the existing 'support' phone. This then bypasses the existing telephone network and allows the end-user onsite to connect directly to a 'support person' of some sort, be it in-house or not. It enables free support phone calls, in a total VoIP environment, or very cheap support calls for a traditional network
- $500 ex (including one VoIP phone for support user)
Remote Power Switch (enables remote power off and on of SmartTeller and PC)
This allows support staff to remotely power cycle the PC, or the Smart Teller. By remotely power cycling the smart teller you can eject a jammed card immediately, which can make the difference between a CardXpress with an 'out of order' sign on it, or one that's been crowbarred open and destroyed by an irate customer.
- $400 ex
